In Need: Vernitta Alexander

IN NEED

Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Published 5:30 am, Saturday, October 6, 2007

Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Chronicle

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Vernitta Alexander, 55, recently displays the electric powered nebulizer she must use three times a day to treat her asthma in her Houston home. Alexander is disabled and retired and has been trying to get help paying her electric bills. She had some help last year when her bills were close to $700. This year her bills aren't so high, but she's not able to get help unless she has a shut-off notice. less

Vernitta Alexander, 55, recently displays the electric powered nebulizer she must use three times a day to treat her asthma in her Houston home. Alexander is disabled and retired and has been trying to get ... more

Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Chronicle

In Need: Vernitta Alexander

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When Vernitta Alexander's power bills hit $700 last year, she turned to a number of agencies for help.

The 55-year-old homeowner is disabled and uses an electric nebulizer to help her breathe.

For three months last summer, Sheltering Arms Senior Services paid her bills. This year's summer bills were lower, about $400, but help has been harder to come by. She's been told she can't get assistance unless she has a disconnect notice from her electric provider.

"I need help breathing, so I can't take that kind of risk and let the bills get that bad," she said.

Alexander is a Reliant Energy customer. To save money, she doesn't run the central air conditioner, instead relying on floor fans.